Blurbing, dear friends, is the art of condensing. We’ve talked about what a blurb is and discussed its essential elements. We dove into how to streamline a blurb and build emotional momentum by limiting proper nouns and decluttering our details. What’s left is to discuss is writing blurbs that progress —how to take those minimal details…
Category: Querying
Writing Blurbs (Part 2): Limiting Details
In the previous post of this series, I emphasized limiting details when writing blurbs. But why do that—and how? How does an author narrow down exactly what to mention, and what to exclude? Limit or eliminate place names The most obvious reason for this is to avoid visual clutter. Especially in fantasy or historical fiction,…
Crafting a synopsis that MOVES
The Basics of Writing a Book Synopsis What is a synopsis? Writing a book synopsis is different than writing a blurb. A blurb seeks to intrigue, to create questions and curiosity in a potential reader. The synopsis serves an opposite purpose; it answers all the questions and proves that there is more to your story….
Publishing Companies: What are the differences, and which one should you choose?
After you’ve finished writing and editing your novel, the inevitable question is what to do next. Your baby is all grown up and ready to go out into the world! But then you’re hit with the paralyzing decision of what path to take. Traditional publishing? Self-publishing? Small press? There are so many options, and when…
0 Queries, 1 Pitch: Full Manuscript Request
The literary agent requested my full manuscript. Not only that, but she requested the synopsis of the sequel AND the synopsis for a completely unrelated title, a project I hadn’t intended to pitch but mentioned as a sidenote. Not only that, but this was my FIRST EVER exchange with a literary agent. Listen, okay? I’m…
How to Find an Agent For Your Novel
You finally did it! You not only wrote an entire novel, but you went through agonizing rounds of edits, killing off your darlings and making the story the best it can be. Now, you’re facing that terrifying question: what next? For anyone looking to break into traditional publishing, then the first step can seem like…
Rule Breakers or Makers: Finding Your Path to Publishing
There is no “right” path to publishing; there is only your path. I’m still walking on my path, so I write this to new writers from the perspective of someone who was and is still standing in your exact spot.